A County Antrim plumber who was paid £11,780 by a consumer to supply and install a heat pump to their property but failed to carry out the work was today handed a two year conditional discharge at Newry Crown Court.
He was also ordered to pay £11,780 in compensation.
In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service (TSS), Mr Derek Dawson (53) of Ashcroft Way, Lower Ballinderry, Co. Antrim pleaded guilty to one charge under the Fraud Act 2006.
Mr Dawson initially visited the victim’s home to deal with a problem with the immersion heater. During his visit there was some discussion about the heating system, after which it was agreed that Mr Dawson would fit an air source heat pump fitted to reduce the cost of heating the house. Mr Dawson informed the consumer that it would cost £11,780 to complete the work and asked for the full payment which he received by bank transfer.
However, over the next few months there followed a catalogue of delays and postponements by Mr Dawson. Eventually, some four months later, Mr Dawson effectively cancelled the job and promised to provide the consumer with a full refund. However, the refund never materialised and the complainant contacted Trading Standards.
Mr Dawson did not make any attempt to reimburse his victim, however they have been able to obtain a refund from their bank.
Kevin McNamara of Trading Standards Service said:
“This was a clear case of fraud where the trader took a substantial sum of money up front and failed to carry out any work or provide any materials. Mr Dawson had fraudulently obtained the sum of £11,780 for doing no work.”
Mr McNamara added:
“Trading Standards Service will continue to seek to protect consumers in NI by raising awareness of the activities of fraudulent traders, supporting consumers when targeted by these types of traders and investigating these traders to ensure that appropriate action is taken against them.”
TSS offers the following advice for consumers seeking to have home improvement work carried out:
Ask your neighbours, family and friends for recommendations.
Speak to previous customers for references and view the work, where possible.
Check if they are a member of a trade body with an arbitration scheme.
Take your time on a decision, do not be pressurised into making a decision.
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Never agree to work following a cold call or knock at the door.
Never pay up front and never pay cash.
Only pay for work that has been completed.
Always get a detailed written quotation/contract and agree a price.
Be careful when using online trading platforms and be aware that traders who respond to requests for work have not been approved by the platform.
Anyone who believes they have been similarly affected should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.